Name: Rose Mwende

Title: Senior Consultant, Executive Search

Organisation: Millar Cameron, UK

I’m a Senior Recruitment Consultant with experience in delivering exceptional talent solutions across diverse sectors, including International Development 🌍, Education, Social Impact, and Technology. At Millar Cameron, I specialize in connecting high-impact professionals with roles that drive organizational success 🌟.

With a passion for matching top-tier talent to critical leadership positions, I help companies build dynamic teams that lead growth, impact, innovation, and transformation. Whether it's helping organizations scale operations or empowering them with leadership talent that makes a difference, I'm committed to making impactful connections. With a background in tech, I am also very passionate about technology solutions that are solving today's problems!

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Rose's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

One of the most challenging aspects I’ve encountered is ensuring that all key stakeholders in a project, organization, or process are aligned and fully engaged. Keeping everyone on the same page and guiding them collaboratively toward achieving common objectives and goals requires constant communication, adaptability, and strategic coordination.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Here's a refined version of your response: My journey into leadership began about 10 years ago when I was promoted to Head of Business Development at a software development company. In this role, I led a diverse team of seven people, including Sales Executives, a Business Development Executive, Account Managers, and a Presales Lead. It was a significant milestone, as I was passionate about streamlining processes, mentoring team members, and driving organizational growth.

This role tested my ability to unite a team around common goals, manage and resolve conflicts, and take accountability for meeting ambitious targets. It was a steep learning curve, especially since I was relatively young, but it shaped my leadership approach and taught me the value of collaboration and resilience.

Later, I transitioned into the recruitment industry, where I eventually became a Country Manager. In both roles, the recurring theme has been my deep desire to contribute to organizational growth, whether by optimizing processes, mentoring others, or driving results. My leadership has always been rooted in a clear vision of how I can support both the team and the company in achieving success.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I thrive on structure and routines as they help me stay focused and productive. My day begins with a grounding morning routine that includes journaling, praying, reading a page or two on a topic of interest, and working out for at least 20 minutes. These activities set the tone for my day and ensure I start with clarity and energy.

I rely on a to-do list to structure my workday, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. As someone who is somewhat extroverted, I incorporate work catchups or collaborative sessions with colleagues, aligning these interactions with weekly goals. Evenings are a mix of activities, depending on the day.

I might attend a networking event, spend time with family, or enjoy some me-time to unwind and recharge. While I value structure, I’m also aware that there can be unpredictable things that come up in a workday. I try to adapt my structure depending on the situation.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent lesson that has been reinforced for me as a leader is the critical importance of communication. Whether I’m interacting with my team, supervisors, clients, or other stakeholders, I’ve realized how much hinges on clear and effective communication. Miscommunication, or even a lack of communication, can cause significant setbacks, leading to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, or misaligned goals.

One key aspect I’ve become more aware of is the tendency we all have to make assumptions or not fully listen. I’m learning to be more intentional in how I communicate—whether it’s providing clarity to drive results, fostering alignment within the team, or ensuring momentum in projects. Strong communication truly serves as the foundation for collaboration, progress, and success.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly impacted my leadership journey is Atomic Habits by James Clear. A few years ago, I found myself in a season where I struggled to engage with reading, despite wanting to. When I stumbled upon this book, it completely shifted my perspective. Clear’s explanation of how small, consistent habits can lead to transformative change resonated deeply with me.

It was through this book that I established my morning routine, which has since become an integral part of my life. This routine grounds me, supports my mental well-being, and allows me to show up more fully in my work and interactions with others. The lessons from Atomic Habits remind me of the power of consistency and intentionality, both in life and in leadership.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

That’s such an interesting question! My advice to a young person aspiring to be a leader would be to find a mentor or coach. While we all have goals and dreams—whether about our careers, businesses, financial success, or the impact we want to make—a mentor or coach can be a game-changer.

This is something I’ve learned more recently: having someone who provides objective guidance and accountability helps you stay clear and intentional about your aspirations. A mentor or coach can act as an accountability partner, offering support and perspective as you navigate career transitions, job changes, or any significant milestones in your journey. It’s an invaluable resource for personal and professional growth.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that stands out from my leadership journey is how collaboration became a cornerstone of my approach as a country manager. I firmly believe that solutions can come from anyone within a team when we work together.

Whenever a crisis or issue arose in our projects, I would bring it to the team. Time and again, they came up with effective solutions that not only addressed the problems but also instilled a strong sense of ownership and confidence in their abilities. Seeing the team take charge and deliver results was incredibly rewarding.

This experience also taught me the value of giving and receiving feedback. By creating space for open dialogue and feedback, I learned how much it contributes to problem-solving and collective growth. These moments reinforced my belief that collaboration is one of the most powerful tools in leadership.